How many times have you learned a new English word only to forget it a day later? We’ve all been there! The frustrating truth is, simply reading a word once isn’t enough to secure it in your long-term memory.
This week, at The London Eye – English Consultant, we’re diving into the science of how your brain learns best. We’ll explore two powerful, proven techniques—Memory Hooks and Spaced Repetition—that will transform your vocabulary retention and make your study time much more efficient. Stop re-learning old words and start focusing on new ones!
1. The Power of Memory Hooks (Mnemonic Devices)
Your brain remembers things best when they are emotional, visual, or connected to something you already know. A Memory Hook, or Mnemonic Device, is simply a trick to create that strong connection.
| Hook Technique | How It Works | Example |
| Visual Association | Link the new English word to a ridiculous or vivid image in your mind. The crazier the image, the better. | The word is «gargantuan» (meaning huge). Picture a giant, friendly GARGoyle wearing a tiny, blue ANT costume. |
| Personal Connection | Connect the word to a specific person, place, or memory in your own life. | The word is «benevolent» (meaning kind/generous). Think of a specific time your BENEfactor (friend/family) did something kind for you. |
| Sound-Alike Link | Connect the English word to a similar-sounding word in your native language or another known language. | The word is «EMBARRASSED.» In Spanish, the word «embarazada» sounds similar but means «pregnant.» To create the hook, picture a man who is incredibly embarrassed because he is telling everyone he is pregnant (embarazada). The strong, funny connection between the two words ensures you never confuse them or forget the English meaning. |
Your 5-Minute Tip: Whenever you learn a new word, close your eyes for one minute and force yourself to create the most colorful, strange, and vivid image you can that represents that word.
2. Spaced Repetition: The «Use It or Lose It» Rule
The biggest mistake learners make is trying to review all their new words in one long session. The science shows that your brain needs to be challenged to recall information just before it forgets it. This is Spaced Repetition.
Instead of reviewing your flashcards for an hour on Saturday, you should review them for 5-10 minutes over several days. The intervals gradually increase because the memory trace gets stronger each time you successfully retrieve the word.
| Review Interval | Recommended Action | Goal and Memory Status |
| 0 minutes | Immediate Use: Say the word out loud 3 times. | Initial Encoding. Secures the word in short-term memory. |
| 10 minutes | Quick Check: Review the word and its definition. | Short-Term Reinforcement. Prevents immediate decay. |
| 1 Day | First Recall: Review the word (using your Memory Hook!). | Active Recall. Moves the word into stronger memory. |
| 3 Days | Second Recall: Write a sentence using the word. | Solidification. Your first real test of independent recall. |
| 7 Days | Third Recall: Use the word in a spontaneous conversation. | Long-Term Storage. Confirms mastery and application. |
| 30 Days | Final Check: Briefly review the entire week’s list. | Permanent Retention. The word is now part of your active vocabulary. |
The App Advantage: You don’t have to manage these schedules yourself! Apps like Anki or Memrise use algorithms to automatically show you words based on Spaced Repetition principles. They make your study time much more efficient.
3. The Activation Rule: Turn Passive into Active
Remember that learning a word isn’t complete until you can use it. This is the final step to securing the word permanently.
Within 24 hours of learning a new word, make sure to use it at least once in an active way:
- Write it: Use it in an English journal entry or a text to a friend.
- Say it: Use it in a conversation or a self-monologue.
- Search it: Look up recent news articles or sentences that use the word to see it in a natural context.
By combining the powerful initial impact of Memory Hooks with the consistent reinforcement of Spaced Repetition, you are giving your brain the perfect environment to grow your vocabulary quickly and permanently.
What is one new English word you will create a Memory Hook for today? Share your strange mental image in the comments!
The London Eye - English Consultant 